The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced $12 million in grants to promote land conservation and other projects that are designed to create trails and protect open space and greenways.

Funding for the grants comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Keystone '93 and Growing Greener I and II programs.

Projects range from $1.25 million to Limerick Township for the purchase of more of 80 acres in Montgomery County for recreation and open space, to $10,600 to Freeland Borough in Luzerne County for the acquisition of two acres next to existing parkland.

"Our local partners – including municipalities, counties, land trusts and conservancies – are critical to our successful efforts to protect our natural areas," Gov. Rendell said. "Our grants help them meet the vision they have for their communities and regions."

Other projects include:

· $250,000 to Lehigh County for the Trexler Nature Preserve Environmental Center;

· $75,000 to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association for a Take it Outside television series;

· $129,900 to Penn State to continue the Keystone Active Zone campaign to connect people to their local parks and trails to promote health;

· $100,000 to Elk County for the North Central Greenways and Open Space plan in the Pennsylvania Wilds region; and

· $150,000 to Potter County to support the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team.

A complete list of projects funded is available online.

4/18/2008